Ethical principles
3R principle
Even though animal experiments are indispensable in research, there is a consensus that they should be kept to a necessary minimum. The 3Rs principle applies as a guideline: Replace, Reduce and Refine.
Consistent implementation of the 3Rs principle in all areas of animal research is a prerequisite for animal experiments to be approved by the competent authorities in the first place. The following principles apply when planning and conducting animal experiments:
Replacement
Whenever possible, animal experiments are replaced by alternative methods. If it is possible to use simple organisms such as bacteria or invertebrates, cell and tissue cultures, computer models or other alternative methods, no animal experiments are carried out.
Reduction
The number of laboratory animals is reduced to a necessary minimum. A good experimental design as well as statistical and methodological optimizations contribute to this. Results from animal experiments are recorded centrally and researchers coordinate with each other so that similar experiments are not carried out more than once.
Refinement
The animals must be kept in a species-appropriate manner. They are given sufficient space and an environment that promotes their well-being. Stress and suffering must be reduced as much as possible. This can be achieved by improving examination methods such as anaesthetization, anaesthesia and special animal training.
